Special to The Source Newspaper
The Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame (JAHOF) Board of Directors is now accepting nominations for its 2027 class of inductees.
Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals, living or deceased, who have made significant and lasting positive contributions to the Jacksonville area. The Hall of Fame recognizes those whose leadership, service, achievements, and dedication have helped shape the rich history and heritage of Jacksonville and the surrounding communities. These accomplishments are not solely based on the individual’s course of employment.
Since the first induction class in 1990, the Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame has honored individuals whose accomplishments have made a meaningful difference in the community. More than 50 nominations were received for the inaugural class, and the number of deserving candidates has continued to grow throughout the years.
The Board of Directors emphasizes that there is no special significance attached to the year an individual is inducted. All honorees, regardless of their induction year, are recognized equally for their contributions and lasting impact on the Jacksonville area.
Individuals who have been nominated in previous years but were not selected are encouraged to be nominated again. Previous nominations are not automatically carried forward and must be resubmitted for consideration. Those submitting nominations are encouraged to review and update the information each year to ensure the Board has the most complete and accurate account of the nominee’s accomplishments, community involvement, and contributions.
NOMINATION PROCEDURE
Nominations are open to anyone wishing to recognize an individual who has made a significant and positive contribution to the Jacksonville area.
The nomination form is available electronically through the Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame Facebook page. If you are unable to access this electronically, contact a director for assistance.
All nominations must be submitted electronically and are limited to 500 words. Nominators are encouraged to provide detailed, relevant information highlighting the individual’s achievements, community service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Jacksonville region.
The Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame Board of Directors encourages residents to take this opportunity to recognize the individuals whose dedication, accomplishments, and service have made the Jacksonville area a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
NOMINATION DEADLINE
All completed nominations must be received by January 15, 2027.
2027 HALL OF FAME DINNER
Individuals selected for induction are expected to attend the induction ceremony. For those honored posthumously, family members will be invited to attend and accept the recognition on behalf of their loved one.
Those selected for induction will be honored and celebrated at the Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame Dinner on June 16, 2027.
JAHOF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephen Symons • Lori Large Oldenettel • Forrest Keaton • Pat Kennedy Marcy Patterson • Alberta Robinson • Ginny Fanning • Phil Langdon • Karen Walker
CLASS OF 1990
Dr. E.C. Bone
Msgr. Michael O. Driscoll
L. Vernon Caine
Helen Foreman
Harold Nunes
CLASS OF 1991
Jack Barwick
Jim Coultas
Francis Richey
Byron Holkenbrink
Dr. G.V. Black
Robert F. Sibert
CLASS OF 1992
Sherwood Eddy
Vern Fernandes
Grace Fitch
Bob Freesen
Richard Godfey
Dr. Donald Mundinger
CLASS OF 1993
Helen Baldwin
Dr. Alonzo Kenniebrew
Robert Manlove
Dr. Robert McKinney Pauline Meyer
Harris Rowe
CLASS OF 1994
Jim Buckley
Charlotte Swanson Cleeland
Gov. Joseph Duncan
Ivan Garrison
Margaret Norvell
Dr. Roger Wells
CLASS OF 1996
A. Wadsworth Applebee
Edward W. Brennan
William E. Chipman
Elma Savage Dixson
Dr. Edward J. Mitchell
Samuel W. Nichols
CLASS OF 1998
John C. Bomke
Ken Bradbury
Richard M. Cody
Richard A. Johnson
C. Leplie Kanatzar
Marshall E. Perry
CLASS OF 2000
Rev. JoeAnna Caldwell
Dicy Davis
William D. “Bill” Meyer
Col. John J. Hardin
Josephine Milligan
Theodore C. Rammelkamp Sr.
CLASS OF 2003
Bill Buchanan
Lois Freeman
Gen. Benjamin Grierson
Ed McPike
Pauline Newport
Betty Teaford
CLASS OF 2008
Dorthy Brooks
Paul Findley
Joe Grojean
Wallace Jamison
Dr. David Prince
Charles P. Runkel
CLASS OF 2012
Dr. Walter Meyer
Tony Gaudio
Anna Bell Blue
Fred Osburn
Ellen Hardin Walworth
Dr. Wolf Fuhrig
CLASS OF 2023
Joy French Becker
Robert E. Chipman
Ginny Fanning
Ronald E. Gray
Jerry Symons
Ronald L. Tendick
Art Wilson
CLASS OF 2025
Keith Bradbury
Maryjane Bradbury
John Buchanan
Mary Fergurson
Ruth Linear
John Powers
